Hasler expects Fonua-Blake to excel

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Des Hasler stares down the camera and tells Manly Sea Eagles fans just what he expects prop Addin Fonua-Blake to produce in the 2019 Telstra Premiership season.

"I think you're going to see a really big season, a break-out season for Addin. He's really developing into a top-line front rower," Hasler told the Sea Eagles club website in a video interview this week.

"There is just something about Addin Fonua-Blake who's only so young … but already represented his nation being Tonga."

In truth Fonua-Blake has also represented New Zealand in the 2017 World Cup, but more on that later.

The Hasler praise was probably meant to prod Fonua-Blake into pushing himself that little bit more once again.

From 2017 to the 2018 season, he doubled his tackle-breaks, post-contact metres and off-loads.

He is into just his fourth year of NRL after turning 23 in the off-season. He also weighs 118kg and stands at 190cm.